Do you need a license to sell honey in Tennessee?

In most cases you can sell pure honey from your own bees in Tennessee without a food license.

Tennessee Food Freedom Act. Honey reportedly capped at 150 gallons/yr, verify against the statute.

What your Tennessee honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for Tennessee: "This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens." (Tenn. Code 53-1-118). The disclosure may be a label, placard, webpage or verbal depending on how you sell.

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official Tennessee source

These rules are set by Tennessee Dept of Agriculture. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Tennessee guidance.

Quick checklist for Tennessee

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The Tennessee statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"